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Giveaway! The Sewtionary
I have a sizable collection of sewing books, most of them 50+ years old.
Most of them just sit on the shelf and are only pulled out when I want to grab a little inspiration. The books I turn to again and again are the reference books, the ones you can pull out whenever you’re stuck and find exactly what you’re looking for. They are like trusted friends, always there to help you out of a jam.
Tasia (of Sewaholic) has written just such a book. The Sewtionary is packed with 101 different sewing techniques, all illustrated with clear photos and understandable instruction.
This is an ideal reference book for a beginner, but I think it would be handy for intermediate sewists as well! Want to add a welt pocket to a dress you’re making? Want to change up the type of zipper you’re using? Need a reminder about padstitching? It’s all covered.
Giveaway
Tasia has generously agreed to give away one copy of The Sewtionary today.
To win, leave a comment below letting me know one technique that you find yourself looking up often. I’ll choose a winner at random (using the random number generator) on Wednesday, Sept 17. Good luck!
ETA: Comments are now closed, thanks for entering! The winner is Danica!
The Blog Tour Stops
If you’d like to follow the rest of the blog tour (as I’m sure there will be more giveaways), here’s the full schedule:
- Wednesday, September 10th: Thread Theory Blog
- Thursday, September 11th: Miss Crayola Creepy
- Friday, September 12th: Coletterie
- Monday, September 15th: City Stitching with Christine Haynes
- Tuesday, September 16th: Tilly and the Buttons
- Wednesday, September 17th: Madalynne
- Thursday, September 18th: Closet Case Files
- Friday, September 19th: By Gum, By Golly
- Monday, September 22nd: Lladybird
- Tuesday, September 23rd: True Bias
- Wednesday, September 24th: Four Square Walls
- Thursday, September 25th: Ada Spragg
- Friday, September 26th: Did You Make That?
Comments
Emileigh
September 12, 2014 #
I use a lot of vintage patterns, so I’m often looking up terms I don’t know (like ruching meaning “trim,” or what “stiffening” is exactly). I don’t know a lot of the more technical terms, so this would be really helpful to just know what things are!
Jane
September 12, 2014 #
One technique that I’m constantly looking up are invisible zippers! I’m finally getting to the point where I’m perfecting the look but I always have to double check myself to make sure I get it correctly.
KathyC
September 12, 2014 #
I am a beginner and always need to review how to add a zipper.
Charlotte
September 12, 2014 #
Darts!!!!! My nemesis!!
Brandy
September 12, 2014 #
Where I am still a beginner, I choose projects where I will have at least one new technique. So I spen a lot of time looking up the best ways to do new techniques ;)
Hethie
September 12, 2014 #
Fly fronts…I can never quite get my head around them!
kriston lion
September 13, 2014 #
me neither!!!
kc
September 12, 2014 #
I always have to look up which direction to stitch for stay-stitching a neckline. I got in in my head that I was supposed to stitch from the center to the shoulder at one point and it’s messed me up ever since.
Margaret M
September 12, 2014 #
I always have to look up how to put in invisible zippers. Some day I’ll get it right!
Heide
September 12, 2014 #
I can’t think of anything that comes to mind right away. It all depends on the project. The last thing I looked up was how to hem scallops and face them.
Stacey
September 12, 2014 #
I’m a total garment-sewing beginner, so anything that’s not commonly used in quilting or home-dec items has to be looked up. I’m slowly (oh, so slowly) compiling some references to help me be confident enough to make clothes for myself, but severely lacking in confidence. And though I have a nice machine, it’s a bit, erm, temperamental at times (!!&$?!) which hasn’t helped. This book will definitely go on my Christmas list! Thanks!
jessie aucoin
September 12, 2014 #
I can never seem to remember the correct steps on inserting zippers to garments with linings. My brain will simply not store that info…
Rachel
September 12, 2014 #
I’m constantly forgetting which hand stitch is which – I think my most frequent look-up is slipstitching. I need a good way to remember them!
Joy
September 12, 2014 #
I have to look up so much! But right now, I am always looking at seam finishes and seeing which ones I want to try.
MicheleB
September 12, 2014 #
Just getting started so I’m sure I could use them all!
Tina
September 12, 2014 #
Adding pockets to a pattern is something I look up a lot. I seem to want pockets in everything.
Annie
September 12, 2014 #
Zippers! Every single time I have to look it up again… I’d love a book like that.. Thanks for the giveaway!
Claire Armstrong
September 12, 2014 #
I also have trouble remembering how to do a slipstitch, and other hand stitches. I keep an Evernote notebook full of clippings and videos which is usually a pain to refer to. I’d love to just flip open a book right next to my project!
Leanne
September 12, 2014 #
I find I’m always looking up how to install a zipper!
Rebecca Woodward
September 12, 2014 #
I’m a relative beginner and it’s fitting zips that I always need to check!
Natalie
September 12, 2014 #
I always find myself looking how to fit bias tape to a curve :-/
French Seams
September 12, 2014 #
Invisible zips, every single time!
Deborah
September 12, 2014 #
I’m always reminding myself about different ways of finishing seams.
Amy
September 12, 2014 #
I have only five completed garments so far so I’m still at the stage where I look up EVERYTHING! Well except French seams, I totally put French seams all over the place, I love them :)
Deb Glosek
September 12, 2014 #
I love a single welt pocket in the front of my dress pants just below the waistband. I’m always needing to look this up! Also – bagging a jacket lining!
Becca
September 12, 2014 #
Zippers are my nemesis – I know what to do but everytime I have to look up how to do it! I also find it handy when starting a new pattern to read the pattern and then look up the techniques as a refresher before I start.
Becky
September 12, 2014 #
Despite having made a couple of pairs of jeans and a full 5 pairs of Sewaholic’s Thurlow trousers, I have so much trouble remembering how to do a fly zipper! Invisible zippers are finally starting to stick in my head, but the fly ones are my nemesis!
Suzanne Mills
September 12, 2014 #
Definitely zippers.
Carly
September 12, 2014 #
I am constantly trying to find new/better ways to finish seams so this would be super helpful.
Jo Hayman
September 12, 2014 #
I’m another one for zips as soon as I’ve looked it up I think why don’t I remember that of course that’s what I’ve got to do! It’s like I can’t recall the information when needed but when reminded can remember it straight away.
Justine
September 12, 2014 #
Single welt pocket! I cannot remember this at all.
Aura Oriano
September 12, 2014 #
Blind stitching a hem. I can never seem to get it right.
Lynn B.
September 12, 2014 #
I always need to look up welt pockets (how to attach the pocket bag) and how to finish the inside of a bound buttonhole.
Emma
September 12, 2014 #
Sleeves. I’m terrible at setting in sleeves.
Jeanette Parker
September 12, 2014 #
Hemming stretch fabric with a twin needle. I’m still struggling – almost threw the fabric in the bin. Help!
Brianna
September 12, 2014 #
How to make bound buttonholes! I’ve only done it a few times and not especially successfully. My first were on my Anise coat. They’re not perfect, but I love that coat!
Lindsey
September 12, 2014 #
I’m always looking up how to do an FBA. I’ve done a few now, but I’m always afraid of deviating from the pattern and messing it up.
Alice
September 14, 2014 #
Just a tip! Trace the pattern bodice front, include grain, lengthening and shortening lines, notches, etc. and then cut and alter he traced pattern. If you’re only doing this to one piece it’s no trouble at all, and saves your expensive pattern.
Jana
September 12, 2014 #
I still always look up how to install invisible zips. I think that I might actually already know how to do it, but I prefer to have a little hand-holding, just to make sure.
Padstitching sounds intriguing! I really want to make a suit jacket, but I don’t think I’m quite there yet. So much fancy tailoring stuff that I have no idea about!…
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book! It’s been on my wish list since before it was even released, but I haven’t been able to afford it yet.
Nicky
September 12, 2014 #
I think I have invisible zippers down, but I want to try some making some pants, so a fly type zip is my next challenge.
Sarah
September 12, 2014 #
Never mind that I’ve installed zippers of every sort dozens of times, I always need to look up how to do it every time.
Tonia Jeffery
September 12, 2014 #
Zippers. I avoid them so much that I always have to look up how to do them when it is necessary.
Sewcial Warrior
September 12, 2014 #
I always find myself looking up hand sewing techniques as I don’t use them often enought to stay lodged in my head
Aoife
September 12, 2014 #
Zippers and blind hems are the two I most commonly go for – but any new-to-me technique, or even mention of a technique, gets googled until I understand the basic idea behind it!
Lisa
September 12, 2014 #
Zippers!! For sure. Thanks for the giveaway!
Stevie
September 12, 2014 #
I often look up various ways to insert a zipper…zippers are still not my friend lol
Shey
September 12, 2014 #
I have decided to sew my own wedding dress so I have a feeling this entire book would come in handy!! Invincible zip here I come!
Christina
September 12, 2014 #
I’m a beginner still, and I keep having to look up french seams and how to install zippers. It’s never turned out quite right in either case.
Chris Griffin
September 12, 2014 #
Different ways to add in pockets!!
Nicola
September 12, 2014 #
Zips!! One day I will be able to do this without looking at a book!
Liz
September 12, 2014 #
I look up lining techniques all the time, just in case there’s a slicker way to do what I’m doing.
Amber PB
September 12, 2014 #
I’m still continually looking up twin needle hemming, just because it’s in every knit fabric pattern I’m working with :)
Dana
September 12, 2014 #
I’m still fairly new to sewing, so I’m looking up almost everything!
Basma
September 12, 2014 #
Darts! I’m always working and tweaking to make the perfect darts to help the fit of my projects.
Amber
September 12, 2014 #
I’m a beginner so finishing clean seams is where I’m at :oP The zipper will be next.
Olwyn
September 12, 2014 #
As a totally absolute beginner, I’d probably use and APPRECIATE!! every page. The clarity of the instructions looks outstanding.
Lena
September 12, 2014 #
I’m still trying to figure out how to make a decent welt pocket.
Nicole Martinez
September 12, 2014 #
Im always looking up different techniques for zippers because i am so bad at them.
Amie
September 12, 2014 #
Turning corners when making covers. I can never get my math on corners rights.
Danica
September 12, 2014 #
I have to look up how to sew bias tape and zipper insertion every single time. *Sigh*
Mel
September 12, 2014 #
I always have to look up how to install zippers. thanks for the chance!
lori
September 12, 2014 #
I would love to do welt pockets!
Cindy
September 12, 2014 #
Hand sewing buttonholes. Every time.
Dawn
September 12, 2014 #
For the life of me, I can NEVER remember exactly how to set in a lapped zipper without guidance. “So, I press one of the seam allowances at 5/8 and the other at …? Danggit. Help me, Google!”
Shira Y
September 12, 2014 #
Invisible zippers still confuse me, especially after I haven’t sewn one for a long time. And I also often search for finishing techniques for hems.
Amanda
September 12, 2014 #
I always find myself looking back at Tasia’s tutorial on sewing a hand-picked zipper. Even though I’m pretty sure I could do it without her help by now, I still like to pull up the page where it’s posted, and follow along to make sure I don’t miss any steps!! :) Thanks so much for hosting the giveaway, I’d love to win a copy of this book!
Leanne Logan
September 12, 2014 #
I’m still pretty useless at zippers, it’s what makes my items very obviously handmade :-( Tasia’s book looks amazing, I’m a huge fan of her blog!
Rhian
September 12, 2014 #
I get paranoid about zips and have to remind myself of the technique every time, just in case!
Sheena
September 12, 2014 #
As a beginner, there’s so much I want to learn! I am keenly interested in making buttondown shirts and skirts, so I’d probably use it most for things like collars and zipper insertion.
Jessie
September 12, 2014 #
I always end up searching for bias binding tutorials. I know I should have it down by now but there is something elusive there!
Nickey Robo
September 12, 2014 #
I’m definitely an intermediate, but for some reason I ALWAYS have to remind myself how to understitch. It just won’t stick in my brain!
Erin
September 12, 2014 #
Zippers! I’m always having to look them up because I use the so infrequently.
Sheela
September 12, 2014 #
Add me to the list of those who always need to look up zippers. I guess I need more practice!
Kaycee
September 12, 2014 #
Always paranoid about how to properly add zippers. And perpetually confusing various hem names! Basically, I second-guess everything and look it all up to be safe.
Trisha
September 12, 2014 #
How lovely! I would likely look up welt pockets. Use a refresher on those every time!
Marie Forest
September 12, 2014 #
As many others: zippers…
Ellen
September 12, 2014 #
I always look up hand stitching. I can never seem to remember the stitches when I need to use them.
Leah
September 12, 2014 #
I can never remember how to line a bodice. This book sounds wonderful!!
Dwinram
September 12, 2014 #
I am an absolute beginner so I look up everything. I guess I have to look up how to solve tension issues the most often.
Aubrey
September 12, 2014 #
As a beginner, I am constantly second guessing myself. This book would be extremely helpful as a zipper reference, since I’m considering tackling my first zipped garment soon.
Laura
September 12, 2014 #
Zips, I’ve done quite a few now but ALWAYS forget how to do it and always have to reach for a reference book (mine is an old reader’s digest one from 1978!) to remind me…
Jenni
September 12, 2014 #
Lapped zips, every time without fail!
Adri H.
September 12, 2014 #
I always end up looking up how to do an invisible zipper.
Nuala
September 12, 2014 #
Every time I put in a welt pocket it’s like I’m doing it for the first time…I just can’t seem to store the info in my head.
Megan
September 12, 2014 #
I’m still a beginner, so everything. But most often different kinds of zippers!
Adenike
September 12, 2014 #
i love the french stitch sewing
Stephanie
September 12, 2014 #
I am always looking up blind hem.
stacey
September 12, 2014 #
I’m a super beginner so I find myself looking up nearly everything. Your Setpt-hem-ber blogs have been super helpful, and this book seems like it would be an incredible resource!
Kathrin
September 12, 2014 #
This book looks really helpfull!
I’m a beginner and I have to look up a lot! Last thing We’re invisible zippers, buttonholes and collars.
Have a nice weekend!
Julia
September 12, 2014 #
I am always looking at different seam finishes! Can never decide how to do it!
Laurie
September 12, 2014 #
I am a beginner, so I currently spend a lot of time looking up most techniques :). My last project, it was French Seams.
Kathie
September 12, 2014 #
The zipper instructions. Don’t know why but I always need a refresher. Thanks
Debera
September 12, 2014 #
Sleeve plackets. Patterns rarely deal with this and I have an article from an old Threads magazine that I keep in my pattern cabinet.
Laura
September 12, 2014 #
I always need a refresher with buttonholes.
Jo Three Stories High
September 12, 2014 #
I read lots of the comments but I simply need HELP!!! making the three same patterns over and over again in my comfort zone is getting a bit snoozy now.
Hannah
September 12, 2014 #
I’m somewhere in the No Man’s Land between beginner and intermediate sewer, and I desperately need help with bust darts and FBAs!
Michelle
September 12, 2014 #
I’d love a copy of this book. I still have to use a reference every time that I sew a fly zipper, so it would be great to have a go-to reference for that.
Mary
September 12, 2014 #
I am just starting to try knits, so I’ve been looking up how to sew with knits a lot!
Valerie
September 12, 2014 #
I love technique books! Sometimes a different point of view is all I need to understand a difficult skill. I tend to shy away from buttonholes … need to find the perfect one! Thanks for the give away!
Karen
September 12, 2014 #
Hand stitches!! I always have to look up these techniques…
Kathryn
September 12, 2014 #
I really need a reference book like this rather than having to refer to random website and youtube videos. I would love to learn how to make a welt pocket!
Teresa Long
September 12, 2014 #
I have been sewing for too long to look up so much but I always like to review the technique because I doubt myself, particularly zippers and french seams.